Bury band supports theatre where it met its heroes

From the left left Karl Smith, Len Lawson, (both of Bury Concert Band), Karen Simpson Director for the Theatre, the Mayor Robert Everitt, Rob Head (Director of Music, BCB) Sue Reynard, John Reynard (both Bury Concert Band) and Julia Read, Head of Development, Theatre Royal

Bury St Edmunds Concert Band hand St Edmundsbury Mayor Robert Everitt a £9,320 cheque for the Theatre Royal, raised through three concerts at the venue in the past year.

At their latest proms concert there they met one of their heroes. David Gilbert, composer of a piece called Spirit of Normandy, was there in person to witness the music being played by the band.

In addition, the audience included the son of the man to whom the composition had been dedicated, Major General Jack Churcher, who played a key role in the Normandy landings and as President of the Normandy Veterans Association.

Euphonium player John Reynard said: “It was the first time that David had met Bryan Churcher and emotions were high as the two recalled their memories.”